(Formerly Medical Technology)

Carol G. Schwartz, MT(ASCP), CLT(NYSED), Director. Adjunct Faculty: Nancy Mitchell MS, MT(ASCP), DLM, Program Director, School of Medical Technology, ViaHealth Rochester General Hospital. Michele Harms, MS, MT (ASCP) Program Director, WCA Hospital School of Medical Technology.

Clinical Laboratory Science is the study of the exciting field of laboratory medicine. Formerly referred to as Medical Technology, the field encompasses the full array of diagnostic protocols performed on blood and body fluids utilized by physicians to diagnose disease and monitor the well-being of their patients. In addition, the clinical laboratory science degree can be a stepping stone to a number of other careers in the health care field.

As of September 1, 2006, New York State requires all clinical laboratory practitioners to be licensed. The Canisius program is in full compliance with the program requirements of the New York State Office of the Professions in addition to adherence to the guidelines set forth by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). The field is also on the verge of a severe shortage of qualified professionals, making now a great time to become a clinical laboratory scientist.

The Canisius Clinical Laboratory Science Program incorporates a 3+1 curriculum. The student is campus-based their first three years, with the final year spent in a full year, hospital- based, accredited internship program. During this year, the student experiences and obtains proficiency in all areas of the clinical laboratory including: hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, microbiology, histology and immunohematology

The program is a rigorous one, with very modest flexibility. The course offerings reflect the solid background in the sciences required for the internship experience. During the student’s junior year, application is made to accredited hospital schools of medical technology. The burden of acceptance into a hospital program rests with the student.

Student Learning Goals

Goal 1: Clinical Laboratory Science majors will possess the skills necessary to be competent and contributing members of the health-care delivery system.  Students will:

A.  Demonstrate thorough understanding of structure and function of human body systems;
B.  Possess a thorough understanding of the components of the diagnostic process and the role of the clinical laboratory;
C.  Demonstrate professional attitude and conduct;
D.   Maintain and comprehend the interrelationships of health care professionals with regard to patient care.


Goal 2: Clinical Laboratory Science majors will demonstrate proficiency in analytical skills (technical competency). Students will:
A.  Obtain scientific data through a multitude of analytical methods;
B.  Evaluate scientific data with respect to diagnosis of disease and maintenance of health;
C.  Design and implement new analytical methods;
D.  Critically analyze and apply methods from external sources.


Goal 3: Clinical Laboratory Science majors will effectively communicate medical and scientific information. Students will:
A.  Effectively prepare scientific reports and procedures;
B.  Deliver critical data sets to health care team members;
C.  Effectively assemble and present results of scientific research to the medical community;
D.  Demonstrate ethical regard and respect for the privacy of patients and their health information.


Clinical Laboratory Science Curriculum:

1. Core Curriculum Requirements:
See pages 38-40 of this catalog or go to /academics/core.asp for the Core Curriculum requirements.  All students complete these requirements as part of their overall Canisius education.

2. Major course requirements:

A. Major Courses  
BIO 101-101L Introduction to Cellular/Subcellular Biology 4 credits
BIO 102-102L Organismal Biology 4 credits
BIO 203 Cellular Biochemistry 3 credits
BIO 307 General Microbiology 4 credits
BIO 426 Immunochemistry 3 credits
CHM 111-112 General Chemistry+ Lab 10 credits
CHM 227-228 Organic Chemistry+ Lab 10 credits
MAT 111 Calculus I 4 credits
MAT 141 Inferential Statistics and Computers for Science 4 credits
MDT 280-281 Seminar: Sophomore Level 2 credits
MDT 380-381 Seminar: Junior Level 2 credits
MDT 400-401 Hospital Rotation 30 credits
 
B.  Major Electives (4 courses)
Science electives: two to three courses to be
arranged with advisor
6-12 credits
Business/computer elective: one to two courses to be
arranged with advisor
3-6 credits

3.  Free electives:
Free electives are courses in addition to the Core Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach a minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation. Students may graduate with more but not less than 120 credit hours.


COURSES: 2009-2011

MDT 280-281 Seminar: Sophomore Level                  1 credits per semester
Introduction to Clinical Science Laboratory profession from variety of perspectives: history, present state of health-care delivery, job opportunities, organization of hospital laboratory. Tour of hospital laboratory.


MDT 299 Independent Study   1 credit

MDT 380-381 Seminar: Junior Level              1 credits per semester     
Advanced discussions of Clinical Science Laboratory theory and practice designed as preparation for senior-year hospital rotation. Tour of hospital laboratory.


MDT 399 Independent Study   1 credit

MDT 400-401 Hospital Rotation       15 credits per semester